Previfem Dosage: An Introduction
Previfem® (norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol) is a
birth control pill that is a generic version of
Ortho-Cyclen®. There is only one standard dose of Previfem. As always, do not adjust your Previfem dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so. Although Previfem is very effective when taken correctly, not taking Previfem as directed significantly increases the risk of unintentional pregnancy.
This particular medication has been discontinued by its manufacturer. Previfem was a generic version of Ortho-Cyclen®, and other generic versions are still available (sold under the names MonoNessa® and Sprintec®). This medication was likely discontinued because its manufacturer (Teva Pharmaceuticals USA) "bought out" the maker of Sprintec (Barr Pharmaceuticals, Inc.), and it did not make sense for Teva to be making two different generic versions of Ortho-Cyclen.
There are two different standard ways to start Previfem for the first time.
You can start it either on the first day of your period or on the first Sunday after your period starts (even if you are still having your period). It is thought that starting on Sunday may decrease the chance that you will have your periods on the weekends, although this does not work for all women. If you start Previfem on the first day of your period (a "day 1 start"), you do not need any backup contraception. If you choose a Sunday start, you need to use a backup method of contraception (such as condoms) for the first week. If the first day of your period happens to be on a Sunday, treat this as a day 1 start (no backup needed).
There may be other ways to start Previfem (other than a day 1 start or a Sunday start); be sure to follow your healthcare provider's instructions carefully if you start Previfem in a non-standard way.
Starting at the beginning of the pack, take one tablet daily at the same time each day. Each pack will last for 28 days (four weeks). After you finish one pack, immediately start a new one the next day. Do not wait any days between packs (this may take a little planning, since you will need a new pack on hand). The first 21 tablets contain the active ingredients. The last seven tablets contain no active ingredients. During this last week, your body gets a little break from the hormones, allowing you to have a period.
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